London Development Agency wins procurement award for 2012 Olympics business service » Communities » 24dash.com

The London Development Agency (LDA) has won a Government procurement award for developing the CompeteFor service - a groundbreaking online resource that allows companies to compete for business opportunities linked to the 2012 Games. 

CompeteFor matches businesses of all sizes to thousands of opportunities to supply London 2012 contractors. An estimated 75,000 future business opportunities - around £6 billion of work - is expected to be allocated by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and London Organising Committee (LOCOG). 

The service, which was developed on behalf of the nation's regional development agencies, will also match companies with local Business Link support services, helping to boost the long-term competitiveness of businesses across the UK.

Around 6200 London companies have registered since its launch in January. Out of those 87% are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The LDA delivers the service in London in partnership with the London Business Network and the ODA.

Geoff Newton, Director of Olympic Opportunities at the LDA, said: "Innovative projects such as CompeteFor are crucial in spreading the benefits of the 2012 Games as wide as possible and we are delighted that over 18,500 companies have already signed up nationally."

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "London's small businesses deserve an environment where they can realise their full potential and where it is more rewarding to do business.

"CompeteFor is doing just that and with almost 90 per cent of those registered being small or medium-sized, I urge other SMEs to sign up if they haven't already.

"This is exactly the style of procurement that my team and I are committed in developing to make it easier for small businesses to work with the GLA group and stakeholders, now, for the 2012 Games, and beyond."

London Business Network also helped the LDA to develop the service with support from leading consultants Hedra and managed service provider Serco plc.

Ian Barlow, Chairman of London Business Network, said: "The service will particularly help small and medium sized businesses gain access to a wide range of contracts by opening up the Olympic supply chain.

"Winning this award illustrates how we have worked closely with the LDA to create a tool which will benefit businesses long after the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Games."

For more information about the service visit http://www.lda.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.2438